Texas Chapter (Fort Worth)

“I am extremely excited about being the Chapter leader for the Fort Worth Chapter! I look forward to bringing HPV and Cervical Cancer advocacy to my community – I know firsthand how difficult this struggle can be to the patient, caretaker, family members, and friends. My mother passed away from Stage 4 Cervical Cancer on September 21, 2012. Since my mom’s diagnoses in October 2011, I researched what services were available in the area for treatment, financial aid, disability, prevention methods, and the grief process just to name a few of what is involved in this struggle. In addition to my mom’s remembrance, I want to transfer my knowledge to those who are going through the struggle by starting a Fort Worth NCCC chapter.”

—Thania Balcazar

What's New

Events

The Fort Worth chapter held its 3rd Annual Dance to Beat Cancer Zumbathon, on January 24, 2015. The annual event carries the message “Dancing for Lety." Lety, mother of chapter leader Thania Balcazar, was diagnosed with Stage IV cervical cancer on October 2011 and passed away from it on September 2012. The event honors Lety while raising awareness in the local community. The 2015 Zumbathon was a tremendous success, with over 100 attendees. See photos from the event at the chapter's Facebook page.

Other recent events include the outdoor event Mind.Body.Hike in May. The hike at the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area featured the founder of Naturalist Adventures Club sharing how her connection with nature has helped her through her experience with cancer. In September, the chapter participated in the See, Test & Treat event along with volunteers from the Houston chapter. At the event, sponsored by the College of American Pathologists, women receive a pelvic and breast exam, a Pap test with same-day results, a mammogram with same-day or prompt results and connection to follow-up care.

Chapter outreach also extends beyond cervical cancer awareness. They have also joined with the North Texas Young Latino Leaders on their monthly feeding the homeless event and have distributed bus passes to those in need in the Fort Worth community.